Banjara Kasuti partners with Amazon India to empower Karnataka’s Banjara community

Team L&M

Banjara Kasuti, a non-profit organisation based in Vijayapura, Karnataka, has partnered with Amazon India’s Karigar program to support Lambani women by enabling them to sell their handcrafted products online. This partnership aims to bring the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the Lambani community in North Karnataka to a global audience through Amazon, one of the largest online marketplaces globally. The initiative will help to create employment opportunities for the Lambani ladies and community.

Founded in 2017, Banjara Kasuti seeks to preserve traditional Lambani art and economically empower Lambani women, promoting self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship. This partnership aims to provide economic opportunities, preserve cultural heritage, and support community development for Banjara artisans. The Amazon Karigar initiative provides a marketplace for India’s local artisans, offering an opportunity to not only empower artisans and sellers to gain financial independence and instil a sense of entrepreneurship but also exhibit the country’s rich handicrafts heritage.

Asha Patil, Founder of Banjara Kasuti, says, “Our collaboration with Amazon India will provide dignity, social security, and financial independence to Lambani women while preserving the Lambani art form. This partnership will allow them to showcase their craftsmanship to a wider audience, enhancing their living standards.”

Gaurav Bhatnagar, Director, Sales, Amazon India said, “Amazon India is proud to partner with Banjara Kasuti through our Amazon Karigar program. This collaboration is a significant step towards empowering Lambani women by bringing their exquisite, handcrafted products to a global audience. Through the Amazon Karigar initiative, we are committed to showcasing India’s rich handicrafts heritage, fostering financial independence, and instilling a sense of entrepreneurship among local artisans. Together, we strive to create meaningful employment opportunities and celebrate the craftsmanship of the Lambani community in North Karnataka.”